From tomorrow, New Zealanders can holiday in Queensland without entering mandatory hotel quarantine when they arrive.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Queensland’s inclusion in the Trans-Tasman Safe Travel Zone.
It coincides with the lifting of the state’s last remaining border restrictions on hotspots in South Australia effective from 1am Saturday 12 December.
New Zealand has achieved a period of 28 days without community transmission of an unknown source.
“Thanks to the diligence of Queenslanders, our state is about to open to all Australians and to our friends across the Tasman,” the Premier said.
“More Kiwis call Queensland home than any other state so I know this will mean a lot of happy Christmas reunions.”
Travellers from New Zealand will need to apply online for a free Australia Travel Declaration from the Department of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Affairs, at least 72 hours prior to departure.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said 489,000 Kiwis booked a trip to Queensland in 2019, spending more than $600 million.
“New Zealand is a growing international market for Queensland, with thousands of Kiwis looking for a great Queensland escape this summer,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “Today’s announcement is great for tourism. More tourists means more support for local businesses and local jobs as we rebuild a stronger tourism industry for the future.”
Dancing indoors in pubs, clubs and nightclubs will also be permitted from 12pm Monday 14 December, subject to the one person per two square metres rule.
Queensland is now operating under Stage 6 of the Roadmap to Easing of Restrictions, which includes:
- Gatherings: Gatherings in public outdoor spaces of 100 people permitted across Queensland. Gathering in homes of 50 people permitted.
- Indoor premises: Indoor premises, such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, museums, art galleries, places of worship, convention centres and Parliament House, allowed one per person per two square metres.
- Wedding ceremonies: Up to 200 people can attend a wedding ceremony and all guests can dance.
- Funerals: Up to 200 people can attend a funeral.
- Indoor events: Seated, ticketed indoor venues, such as theatre, live music, cinemas and indoor sports, permitted to operate at 100% capacity with patrons to wear masks on entry and exit.
- Outdoor events: Outdoor events permitted to admit 1500 people with a COVID Safe Event Checklist. Larger events require a COVID Safe Plan.
- Dancing: Outdoor dancing permitted. From 12pm Monday 14 December, indoor dancing will be permitted, subject to the one person per two square metre rule.
- Open air stadiums: Open air stadiums permitted to operate at 100% seated capacity (with a COVID Safe Plan).
- Residential care: Visits are allowed to those receiving residential care at a mental health or drug and alcohol service.
